The French Riviera is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, its sun-drenched coastline, and its azure blue sky that fascinated Renoir, Bonnard, Matisse, and many others. However, if you choose the best French school in France, you’ll find that beyond its most visited and urbanized sites, this region offers many historical, cultural, and natural places of great value. During your language stay in France, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the "hidden treasures" of the Riviera’s heritage, which are off the beaten path and deserve to be better known.
The "Tire-Poil" path, so named because of the strong winds that blow through, is a protected natural space on Cap d'Antibes. This trail, approximately five kilometers long, will allow you to discover a preserved landscape and admire the Bay of Angels. This path, suitable for adults and teens, passes near several luxurious estates, such as the Château de la Garoupe and Villa Eilenroc. At the top of the viewpoint, you’ll get a glimpse of the Château de la Croë. Be aware that this trail, known for its biodiversity, can be closed in bad weather, although this is unlikely during a Premium language stay in Juan-les-Pins in the summer.
Another spot with a somewhat unusual name but well worth the visit! The Tête de Chien trail at Cap d'Ail is an ideal spot for a sporty hike. Among the essential vocabulary for a tourist in France, you'll find the lexicon of clothing and food. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water, a snack, a hat, hiking shoes, and a windbreaker! The ascent follows a marked path and leads to a promontory 550 meters above sea level. At the summit, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view from Monaco to Cap d'Antibes. It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Nice, a classified "Historical Monument," stands out for its Byzantine and Russian architecture. It is adorned with colorful biblical representations and owes its construction to the strong Russian community that resided in Nice at the end of the 19th century. Built between 1903 and 1912, it is one of the unusual destinations on the French Riviera, with its four onion domes and its dominant colors (green, white, and orange). It’s located near the famous Promenade des Anglais, a highlight of the French Riviera.
Visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer is a great idea for those looking to discover iconic places on the Côte d’Azur. This town is famous for its “rade,” a sheltered stretch of sea where boats can anchor. Here, you can visit the Chapelle Saint-Pierre, commonly called "Cocteau Chapel." Inside, you can admire frescoes by the poet depicting episodes from the life of Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen.
Diving off the coast of Cannes? Some might find this suggestion unoriginal, but it’s actually a chance to discover statues installed underwater! On the island of Sainte-Marguerite, a unique underwater eco-museum has been created. The artist Jason deCaires Taylor designed six submerged statues, molded from the faces of Cannes locals, which serve as a refuge for marine life. In short, it’s a brilliant idea for a summer language stay for teens in Cannes.
This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural sites to explore on the French Riviera. If you love hiking, whether on foot, by mountain bike, or even snorkeling, it’s an ideal playground for both adults and juniors. In addition to its unique vegetation, this massif is famous for its coves, especially the calanque of Saint-Barthélémy, which will dazzle you with its turquoise waters and pebble beach. The Corniche d'Or road, which allows you to admire the coastline, runs along the sea all the way to Cannes.
From January to March, the Mimosa Route offers a 130
km winter getaway that will delight nature lovers and fans of aromatic plants.
Here, you won’t soon forget the bright yellow of this shrub contrasting with
the blue of the sky and the sea. In the heart of France’s largest
mimosa-growing area, Tanneron is famous for its plants such as lavender and
myrtle, as well as its local products like honey.
This 17th-century aristocratic residence is one of the hidden treasures of old Nice. In addition to its monumental staircase, marble statues, ceilings depicting mythological figures, and baroque frescoes, its many rooms are part of the lesser-known spots of the Côte d'Azur: one of them even houses a collection of ancient musical instruments. After your visit, many bars and restaurants nearby offer the perfect places to experience French savoir-vivre: chatting in French over a glass of wine!
The Saint-Cézaire caves are located near Grasse. With their impressive depth of over forty meters, you’ll see stalagmites, stalactites, and a fluorescent 17-meter-high waterfall. The coolness of the caves is perfect for summer days after your French lessons with the whole family. Additionally, the estate surrounding the cave stretches over a wooded park, making it a perfect spot for a day out with friends. The park also features an educational trail dedicated to Mediterranean flora and offers orientation races for children."
